Parliament of Fowls

This is the Labour Party version of the reading I did for David Cameron and the Conservative Party. I've used the same positions for Brown and his party as I did for the Tories, and I'm trying to be objective here.

1. Current Situation for Brown - KING OF SWORDS. "He is mentally alert, inventive, of an original turn of mind and is essentially rational in outlook. He is an advocate of law and order, and an upholder of authority. He seeks executive office in order to see his ideas put into practice. Because of his versatility he often fails through lack of steady purpose; having formulated one plan he then proceeds to the next one with undue haste. He is an advocate of modernity at the expense of tradition.

Brown appears to have mastered the form of his message but not yet the concrete and underlying solidity which he claims to operte with. To me this shows a political leader who knows what to do but lacks the raw power to put it into practice. (I used this card as the significator when I used to read for Michael Howard's prospects in 2003-05.) Brown has resumed authority but needs to find a real purpose and meaning behind it before he can regain a convincing poll lead.

2. Current Situation for the Labour Party - THE MOON. "A crisis of faith - only intuition, not reason, can carry the querent forward. A situation in which one has only oneself to rely on."

The Labour Party has recently been talking about being 'in the zone' - able to win the next election if they keep their nerve and hold on. A lot depends now on faith in adversity and historically Labour has always been better at this than the Tories. I have been in both parties and the inner dissent  which has brought down numerous Tory leaders is replaced in Labour by appeals to an overall goal or project which is more than the sum of its parts and consequently allows more internal harmony.  Labour enjoys this self-belief while the Tories, despite internal debate often being a good thing and providing a necessary safety-valve at times, need to understand the way Labour are currently more self-confident and see the glass half-full rather than half-empty.

3. What Brown thinks of Labour - THE LOVERS. "A time of choice, the outcome of which is of crucial importance. Reliance on intuition rather than intellect is advised, on inspiration rather than reason. This card can indicate a flash of insight that resolves an apparently insoluble problem. Also a moral choice which depends on maturity and integrity for its outcome."

Gordon is obviously working closely with his party and going on previous strengths, taking nothing for granted but calming fears - they are working in close unity through difficult times. He is using what he has got in the party to inform him in government, and after a rocky year he has managed to protect enough key interests to keep the wolf from the door.

4. What Labour thinks of Brown - STRENGTH. "Opportunity to put plans into action if one has the courage to take a risk. Morally, the defeat of base impulses. Reconciliation with an enemy - this can be outside oneself, or else refer to unruly forces within."

In a sense, Labour has both the patience and the respect for Gordon to keep calm and hang together in the face of a renewal in the conditions for a "fourth term...within our grasp", as Tony Blair stated in May 2005. Labour are in control - and thus could depose Brown if they wanted to - but they prefer to keep things together for the sake of the party.

The preponderance of Major Arcana cards here suggests that Labour is being held together by forces beyond its immediate control and maintaining calm beyond petty concerns. Given the historical longevity of leaderships in the Labour Party this is not surprising and suggests a fundamental difference in internal consistency that the Tories in their reading appear to lack.

5. What Gordon is keeping from the Party. VI PENTACLES. "Balance and solvency in material affairs. Income equals expenditure and the wheels of commerce turn smoothly. This is the card of the philanthropist who uses wealth not to build himself up but to help others rise up in the world also. It indicates charity, sympathy, kindness of heart, and the gratitude of one who has been well-favoured by fortune. Gifts, awards, help from above, patronage."

Gordon has been keeping control of his political profligacy. I noticed during the summer, when he was meeting the returning Olympic team from Beijing, that he looked far too relaxed for the position he was supposedly in. He was presumably playing his cards close to his chest, and I believe this conservatism helped him store up the advantage for when he needed it this autumn, though in reality the polls bounced back in his direction before he nationalised the banks. Successful leaders tend to lie low during the bad times and store up energy for the good times, or the times when they have the attention of the country upon them such as at conference. Brown is probably hiding more goodies from Labour in order to be able to release them slowly when he needs a boost later on.

6. What Labour is keeping from Brown. TEMPERANCE. "Success is possible through the careful control of volatile factors. Indicates a situation in which circumstances and people must be skilfully combined for progress to continue. A harmonious partnership is sometimes revealed."

Labour too never wants to say "never". It is not fully in control of the situation and is also keeping its cards close to its chest. Temperance is a good card in many circumstances and it seems Labour will put up with a lot simply to stay in power, though it is reserving judgement on Brown just in case the current "bounce" is of the "dead cat" variety. Temperance can indicate stasis or stagnation in an ill-dignifiied position, but with Labour feeling better about its prospects at the next election, for now it is content to be 'in the zone'.

7. Direction in the near future. KNIGHT OF WANDS. "He is alert, active, swift-moving, unreasoning but highly intuitive. His movements are unpredictable and startling, but are generally seen to be wise in retrospect. He has an engaging temperament."

Labour have the initiative in this situation and seem to move with alarming alacrity and with a stridency and confidence that only the input of the above cards can provide. Although there is still more intuition than definite confidence driving the party forward, Labour's ability to be pro-active in government has probably calmed fears of general election wipeout.

8. Advice to Gordon Brown. THE MAGICIAN. "Points to strength of will, the expansion of the personality, a willingness to face risks, initiative that will lead to success and triumph. Also adaptability and versatility, diplomacy and self-confidence. Can indicate the commencement of an important new cycle in the querent's affairs."

Gordon needs to continue to be responsive to events and to dictate the agenda. He needs to recognise and use the tools at his disposal in order to kickstart the economy and develop his relationship with Labour so that it does not go sour again. Bringing back Mandelson and Campbell - both magicians in their own ways - suggests he is willing to use all the tricks of the trade and act less ponderously than before - he just needs to keep going.

9. Advice to the Labour Party. THE HANGED MAN. "The ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Flexibility of mind. Willingness to submit oneself to the dictates of the inner self and cast aside practical considerations when the time is right. Wisdom and guidance from the unconscious."

There is a sense that the Labour Party has to hang on and wait for things to get better but they are at least listening to their inner reason and collective intuition - operating as a block has always been their strength and has meant fewer, on average, changes of leader historically. The maintenance of collective nerve is important and perhaps - for Gordon's detractors - an element of self-sacrifice while he proves himself to the electorate and shows that he still has the talent and expertise to lead the country through the recession.

10. The Outcome of the Discussion. THE FOOL. "Indicates an influence which is unexpected and unplanned, but which exerts a powerful force on the matter in hand. It is a challenge that can transform the situation in the querent's favour if properly handled. It indicates that an important decision or choice will have to be made. If this card is well-placed, flanked by fortune cards, then a wise decision will be made, and perseverance will bring its rewards. If badly placed, surrounded by unfortunate cards, warning of impending error, The Fool can also indicate the indicate the imminent start of a new cycle of destiny, and can refer to a type of person - the creative dreamer."

This card is showing that there are still a lot of unknowns about the future and dependency on events is key in this situation. This is doubly true if the Tories learn the lessons of recent weeks and start plugging some of their gaps. Labour cannot take anything here as written in stone, but the favourable nature of the spread is a good start and the internal discipline and intuition here are characteristic of Labour's internal structure. Brown has recently averted serious breakdowns in his relationship with the party. There is confidence in The Fool setting out on his journey, but since this is an unknown quantity Labour must continue to be guided and keep 'in the zone' by working together.

I've done this mainly because there is something going on over on Conservative Home which is utterly amazing - the Cameron supporters actually petitioning the leadership to get going with something structurally sound to halt Labour's advance back up the greasy poll. An Independent survey this morning put the Tories only 8 points ahead of Labour and below 40% for the first time in months, with this meaning that if it came to a general election tomorrow the Tories would not get an overall majority at all - falling short by 8 seats.

I asked the question - What is the relationship between David Cameron and the Conservative Party? I used a spread for the relationship between two people, and this was the result. I will post a similar reading for Gordon Brown later on, in the interests of balance, but I must say this and similar readings I've done privately is quite interesting in that the balance of power between DC and his party has shifted considerably over the last few months.

1. Current Situation for Cameron - VI SWORDS. "The solving of immediate problems, a moving away from imminent danger. Does not suggest complete success which absolves the need for further struggle, but indicates that some major obstacle has been overcome and progress can be resumed. May indicate travel away from trouble to more harmonious circumstances and surroundings."

First of all the idea for DC is that he is hoping to move on from "Yachtgate" and deal with the immediate issues. It seems all but dead now for Osborne so DC is now moving on to more policy-making and publicity-seeking, including backing calls for Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross to be sacked over the despicable Andrew Sachs stunt.

2. Current Situation for the Party - III WANDS. "The successful launching of a great venture. Original ideas finding expression. Inspiration which is being rewarded. Strength arising from enterprise and effort supported by powerful convictions. This is the card of the artist and the inventor who turns a dream into reality.

The party is initiating its own development and discussion. The III Wands suggests that a certain security has been lost and a risk has been taken with stability for the promise of greater creativity and spontaneity. The party is providing a degree of input into Cameron's project and trying to guide its leader rather than staying quiet.

3. What DC thinks about the Party - VII SWORDS. "This card advises prudence and foresight when facing powerful opposition. Although a direct confrontation would be disastrous, victory can yet be attained by seeking out the enemy's weak points and disarming him in advance. But courage and perseverance are required. Great danger is stressed but also the possibility of triumph through cunning.

The party and DC are in opposition to each other, which is suggested by the volume rising on Conservative Home - though for now it is mostly constructive criticism it tends to suggest DC is trying to move ahead despite opposition from within.

4. What the Party thinks about DC - VI WANDS. "Victory, triumph, the arrival of great news. The complete fulfilment of major hopes and wishes. Success earned by hard work and originality, satisfaction in what has been achieved. The skilful overcoming of all opposition through the use of diplomacy instead of force."

The party is getting its case across to DC and is being persuasive in its use of discussion and debate to get the leadership to listen. This is not that the party feel it is on to a winner with DC - it means it has succeeded in imposing its core view on Cameron after a passionate debate on the matter.

5. What DC is keeping from the Party - IX SWORDS. "Deception, disappointment, failure, cruelty, unreasoning passions, violence, scandal - all of which can be combatted by resignation, passive, obedience, faith and calculated inaction. This is the card of the martyr, it brings strength and new life out of suffering."

In other words, there is a deception going on - Cameron is trying to get on with his job of leading the party but it looks as if he is trying to maintain a facade of cheerfulness masking more systematic difficulties which he may have in the public arena. He is warned about being caught either with his pants down or without anything to say, and is having to deflect attention away from this lacking on his part.

6. What the Party is keeping from DC - KING OF PENTACLES. "He is of a practical down-to-earth nature; cautious; methodical; skilled in practical techniques and traditional crafts. He is loyal, trustworthy and patient. He has an inborn wisdom that enables him to achieve material success and even amass great wealth, despite his lack of imagination or intellectual deviousness. He is somewhat inarticulate, but is capable of deep thought long the lines that engage his interest. He is slow to give affection, but devoted to those he loves; he is slow to anger but implacable towards those he hates."

In other words, the party is wanting something from DC which would give him the qualities of a real leader, or they are selecting his replacement. Erring on the side of caution here, they are seeking someone who can match Brown now the economy has been running down, and who can provide a more solid outlook for the party. They are with-holding this figure, so I suspect that there might be signs of tension in the Tory camp as Labour reunites itself and begin to rediscover some of its reasons for existence.

7. Direction in the near future - II WANDS. "Strength of will bringing ideas to pass. Firm rulership resulting in peace and justice. Riches and authority attained by just means. The responsible wielding of executive powers. Courage and initiative resulting from high motives. Earned success. Wisdom attained through experience."

This points to some kind of resolution of tensions revealed above but in what shape or form I am not sure I want to predict. Cameron has historically been bad about responding to advice or events (such as Derek Conway and now Yachtgate) quickly and has taken days to reach where previous leaderships have taken hours. This is resolution of disagreements but as in cards 5. and 6. the party wants something which Cameron is having difficulty delivering, so what the resolution could be is anyone's guess.

8. Advice to David Cameron - PAGE OF WANDS. "He is ambitious and resourceful, enthusiastic and adaptable. He is a messenger who brings good tidings, stimulating news, witty gossip. He is by nature faithful and trustworthy, vigorous in the service of those in authority over him."

DC needs now to raise his game and become quicker in responding and not get caught out by unruly subordinates such as George Osborne and Caroline Spelman. He needs to be the first to say things, not weigh in later when things have passed their peak. Although the Page of Wands is an insubstantial figure, this suggests to me that DC will still try and outfox Brown rather than give a more solid footing to Tory policies. I'm not sure this is wise with Mandelson looking likely to survive his encounter with Oleg Deripaska on the Queen K, but Cameron ought to know what he is doing by now.

9. Advice to the Party - IV CUPS. "Emotional happiness and fulfilment which has passed its peak and can proceed no further. The establishment of a family. The passive enjoyment of that which has already been attained. But the card indicates a new dissatisfaction which the things of this world cannot assuage. Fulfilment having been attained, what can follow? Love is perhaps turning into familiarity."

The Tories need to assess whether they are content with Cameron or not, or else try and goad him into more pro-active responses to current issues. They are getting restless and looking for a solution to tip the balance back in their favour in order to become more direct and more resourceful. They need to tell Cameron to put up or shut up - soon.

10. Outcome of this discussion - X CUPS. "A peaceful and secure environment. The search for fulfilment is crowned with success. Perfect love and concord between people."

If DC can square a few circles and raise his game, he might reconcile the internal debates before they became external disagreements. However, I would note that the X of Cups is transient whereas its counterpart in the Pentacles is more permanent, and that this is the card I drew for Boris' success in the London mayoralty elections, so there are possibilities for short-term success but a longer-term question-mark. There is still a chance to put things together and begin to set the agenda again.

This blog is intended to be a light-hearted look at British politics with some forays into friendly - and not-so-friendly - neighbouring territory.

I am broadly Conservative, though have had reservations about David Cameron since he took office. I also read tarot as a hobby, so part of this blog is to share my predictions based on oracles and divination, mostly with my tarot cards but also with other systems, the I Ching, oracle and angel cards, and the help of my spirit guide Owlperson :} who knows a thing or two about politics and is willing to share his insights. Owlperson will share his thoughts on animal totems - and is prepared to divulge here only that Cameron himself is a fox, with the emphasis on the kssss, and that previous Tory leaders have been snowy owl, squirrel, rabbit, mouse and two bears (brown and polar) - and yes, that is in the right order. Animal totems tell us both positive and negative things about ourselves and while it is always possible to adopt new totems, certain animals are with us throughout our life (or lives) and shape our basic personality. As a Fox Cameron is elegant, sophisticated, sharp and witty - but that comes at a rapacious, greedy, conniving price. Similarly his predecessor, Michael Howard, as a Snowy Owl, was deep, thoughtful and very cuddly (I should know, I've met him several times and he never fails to engage people who are otherwise put off by his public image) but also has a quick temper, can be very aggressive and moody and does not shrink back from a fight. Snowy Owls are the hard-men of the owl-world...

I also draw cartoons and comics of British politics based on Owlperson's observations. They are of a rather personal nature but I will upload any here which would be intelligible to a wider audience.

I am going to upload my first post tonight but will need to have a think on who to read for and how to go about showing the cards as a pictorial scan. I use a number of decks but mostly for this blog I will use the Angel Tarot by US Games as it is brightly coloured enough to be interesting to look at but does not include too much unnecessary detail or symbolism. I might use Aleister Crowley's Book of Thoth as well but my copy is huge and I am debating whether or not to sell it on eBay and buy a smaller version, as the Master himself is not to be ignored but my scanner is only of a certain size.

If anyone would like a private reading I will be pleased to assist - please email me at louise.stanley@live.co.uk. I don't believe in charging extortionate amounts of money for tarot (I have been desperate for readings at times and have become depressed at the expense involved) so this is a free three-card (past-present-future plus any clarifying cards) service.

First off I think I will read for David Cameron over the next week as it looks like our Tory friends are in a little bit of hot water over Yachtgate and their rather lacklustre response to the economic issues has contributed to a "Brown bounce" in the polls. I will also probably have a look at Brown himself but to me the Tories have always been - and probably always will be - the more interesting faction in British politics and, as a regular contributor (at the moment anyway) to Conservative Home, I can most closely follow the reactions of their membership.

As for my reading habits, I normally use all upright cards but will indicate where I feel a reversed or ill-dignified reading is necessary. I use Alfred Douglas' book "The Tarot" as a primer but both I and Owlperson will offer insights into what we think the direction is depending on how the situation can be interpreted.

I hope you enjoy reading this blog as much as I hope I will enjoy writing it.

Louise Stanley

P.S. My money is on Barack Obama to win the presidency of the US, but my vote would still go to McCain if I had one. Such is life. Though that Death card I pulled for Obama back in the spring has yet to show itself in reality, so anything could happen between now and inauguration day in January.